Angelina Jolie is ready to take flight in a new poster released for the upcoming film “Maleficent.”

The image showcases Jolie all in black with the trademark horns of the sorceress — or dark fairy — and wide wings stretching out from her back. The story of those wings is explored further in a short new clip from the movie, with Maleficent explaining to Elle Fanning’s inquisitive Aurora that her wings were stolen from her.

In flashback, though, Maleficent is seen soaring and diving through the air, before landing and striking a regal pose.

Due in theaters May 30, the Disney film retells the story of the 1959 animated classic “Sleeping Beauty” from the perspective of the character who famously curses the infant Princess Aurora at her christening. The new film purports to focus on the events that led Maleficent toward a path of evil — most likely, the theft of her wings plays a role.

Maleficent stands as one of the best-remembered Disney villains, and for Jolie, donning the cape and horns of the character, a childhood favorite, marked a significant career milestone.

Angelina Jolie in the new poster for “Maleficent.” (Disney)

“Since I was a little girl, Maleficent was always my favorite,” Jolie said at an appearance at the studio’s D23 convention in Anaheim last year. “I was terrified of her, but I was also drawn to her. I wanted to know more about her. She had this elegance and grace, yet she was wonderfully, deliciously cruel.”

In addition to Jolie and Fanning, the film also stars Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

A full trailer for “Maleficent” is set to debut Tuesday.

What do you think of the new poster and the new clip? Are you intrigued by Maleficent’s back story? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

4 Responses to ‘Maleficent': Angelina Jolie spreads her wings in new clip, poster

Angelina has always been one of my favorite actors and I have been collecting winged mythical creatures for some time. Can't wait to see the movie and get one of the posters and maybe a statue if and when possible. I hope for great success in this movie for Angelina. estella